Question reference: S5W-33515
- Asked by: Pauline McNeill, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 24 November 2020
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Current status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 2 December 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the significance of exercise, including group exercise, to the wellbeing of people during the COVID-19 pandemic and, in light of this, whether it will it consider relaxing the restrictions regarding such activity.
Answer
The Scottish Government fully recognise the importance of being physically active during COVID, both for physical and mental health. Group exercise is clearly part of this and we appreciate the social interaction which such classes provide. However, our priority is to ensure people can take part in group classes when it is safe to do so.
Decisions on what sectors and activities to re-open on our route out of lockdown are guided by the principles set out in our Framework for Decision Making. Proposals are technically assessed using the best available evidence and analysis of their potential benefits and harms to health, the economy, and broader society to minimise overall harm and ensure transmission of the virus continues to be suppressed. This assessment process includes oversight of the assessed health risks in different settings by the Chief Medical Officer and input from the other Chief Clinicians as appropriate.